This week our during our Literacy Block we examined the concept of things which either sink or float. This followed from Reading Pamela Allen’s wonderful story “Who sank the boat?” It focused around around five animals of various shapes and sizes cramming into a boat which eventually sunk.

{ see https://vimeo.com/39503900}

As a follow up from this story we decided to test a range of objects within the classroom by placing them in a tub half filled with water and predicting if they would sink or float – here are our findings:

Water bottle – There were were a range of predictions but it seemed most thought it would sink because it was big and heavy and so it did when placed vertically over tub.

When placed horizontally – it floated!! Amazing!

Why? – One thought was ‘It may be full of air- another” It might be lighter lying it long ways –

Scissors – All predicted they would sink and yes they did, like a stone and all agreed it was because they had metal in them.

Pencil – 50/50 either way – We found the pencils floated easily.

Ruler – All thought it would float and it did. Why? because it was long and made of wood and wood floats.

Our next stage will be to examine packaging that ends up as rubbish on our streets and into our waterways and what that means for our environment.

Greetings once again as we look back over some recent happenings here in the Juniors.

Last week Alex from ‘Hands On Science’ came to our school to show the students ‘ How things Work’ in the world of Science.

She took us through the elements of Land, Air and Water and how things can move in, around , over, on and under them.

We looked at how things float – how things can rise and fall in water – how things can be moved across land using the forces of push and pull as well as how things can fly using the force of pressure – An amazing day with lot’s of fun and learning.

A belated welcome to Term 2 – From what I have heard from the children it was a wonderful holiday break for all. We look forward to a busy and productive term and are grateful for your on going interest and support